Spraying apparatus

ABSTRACT

A spraying apparatus includes: a tank that stores a fluid; a spraying unit that is disposed at a lower portion of the tank, is connected to the tank through a flow path, and sprays the fluid that flows from the tank through the flow path by a weight of the fluid; a flow-path opening/closing unit that is disposed on the flow path between the tank and the spraying unit, and opens and closes the flow path; and an electrolyzing unit that is disposed between the flow-path opening/closing unit and the spraying unit, and electrolyzes at least a portion of the fluid. The fluid electrolyzed by the electrolyzing unit is supplied to the spraying unit by an opening and closing of the flow-path opening/closing unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a spraying apparatus that sprays fluid.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, to convey a fluid to a riddled spray plate, spraying apparatuses have commonly adopted a method that utilizes a pump (see Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-52069

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, the spraying apparatus according to the above technology has a problem in that as a pump is utilized to convey fluid, reduction of the overall apparatus size is not possible, thereby making it difficult to realize portability. Additionally, as power is required to drive the pump, a battery further invites a larger size, again making it difficult to realize portability.

To solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a spraying apparatus that has a reduced size and weight, generates less noise, and consumes less power.

Means for Solving Problem

To solve the above problems and achieve an object, a spraying apparatus according to the present invention includes: a spraying unit that sprays a fluid; a tank that stores the fluid sprayed by the spraying unit; a flow-path opening/closing unit that opens and closes a flow path of the fluid and is disposed at a lower portion of the tank, in which the fluid is supplied to the spraying unit by an opening and closing of the flow-path opening/closing unit.

According to the spraying apparatus of the present invention, in the above invention, a supply of power to the spraying unit is interlocked with an opening of the flow path of the fluid by the flow-path opening/closing unit.

According to the spraying apparatus of the present invention, in the above invention, the spraying apparatus further includes an electrolyzing unit disposed between the flow-path opening/closing unit and the spraying unit, and electrolyzing at least a portion of the fluid, in which the spraying unit sprays the fluid that is electrolyzed by the electrolyzing unit.

According to the spraying apparatus of the present invention, in the above invention, a supply of power to the electrolyzing unit is interlocked with an opening of the flow path of the fluid by the flow-path opening/closing unit.

According to the spraying apparatus of the present invention, in the above invention, the electrolyzing unit includes as least two electrodes, and the electrodes are disposed substantially perpendicular to a direction of flow of the flow path.

According to the spraying apparatus of the present invention, in the above invention, the electrodes are substantially cylindrical in shape.

According to the spraying apparatus of the present invention, the above invention, the spraying apparatus further includes a foam guide unit that guides foam, generated by the electrolyzing unit, in a direction other than a direction toward the spraying unit.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, the number of components, the apparatus size and weight can each be reduced and as the number of electrically operated components is reduced, a spraying apparatus that achieves reductions in noise and power consumption can be realized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1-1 is an external view (front view) of a spraying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1-2 is an external view (side view) of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1-3 is a cross sectional view along A-A of the spraying apparatus as shown in FIG. 1-1;

FIG. 1-4 is an external view (rear view) of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2-1 is an external view (front view) of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention (with an opening/closing member and a tank unit removed);

FIG. 2-2 is an external view (side view) of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention (with the opening/closing member and the tank unit removed);

FIG. 2-3 is a cross sectional view along A-A of the spraying apparatus as shown in FIG. 2-1;

FIG. 2-4 is an external view (rear view) of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention (with the opening/closing member and the tank unit removed);

FIG. 3-1 is an external view (front view) of the opening/closing member of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3-2 is an external view (side view) of the opening/closing member of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4-1 is an external view (oblique view) of the tank unit of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4-2 is a cross sectional view along H-H of the tank unit as shown in FIG. 4-1;

FIG. 4-3 is an external view of the tank unit from the perspective C shown in FIG. 4-1;

FIG. 4-4 is an external view of the tank unit from the perspective B shown in FIG. 4-1;

FIG. 4-5 is a cross sectional view along E-E of the tank unit as shown in FIG. 4-1;

FIG. 4-6 is an external view of the tank unit from the perspective F shown in FIG. 4-1;

FIG. 5-1 is an external view of the tank member from the same perspective as shown in FIG. 4-2;

FIG. 5-2 is an external view of the tank member from the same perspective shown in FIG. 4-3;

FIG. 5-3 is an external view of the tank member from the opposing perspective shown in FIG. 4-4;

FIG. 5-4 is a cross sectional view of the tank member from the same perspective shown in FIG. 5-3;

FIG. 5-5 is an external view of the tank member from the same perspective shown in FIG. 4-6;

FIG. 5-6 is an enlarged view of an electrode insertion opening shown in FIG. 5-5;

FIG. 5-7 is a cross sectional view from the same perspective shown in FIG. 5-6;

FIG. 5-8 is an enlarged view of an electrode insertion opening shown in FIG. 5-7;

FIG. 5-9 is an enlarged view of a fluid outlet shown in FIG. 5-2;

FIG. 5-10 is a cross sectional view along I-I as shown in FIG. 5-9;

FIG. 5-11 is a cross sectional view along J-J as shown in FIG. 5-9;

FIG. 5-12 is a cross sectional view of the tank member along E-E of the tank unit as shown in FIG. 4-1;

FIG. 5-13 is an external view of the tank unit from the perspective G shown in FIG. 4-1;

FIG. 6-1 is an external view (oblique view) of a ring member of a spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6-2 is an external view (oblique view) of the ring member of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention from a perspective different from that shown in FIG. 6-1;

FIG. 6-3 is an external view of the ring member from the perspective K shown in FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2;

FIG. 6-4 is an external view of the ring member from the perspective L shown in FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2;

FIG. 6-5 is an external view of the ring member from the perspective M shown in FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2;

FIG. 7-1 is an external view (front view) of a cap member of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7-2 is a view (rear view) of the cap member attached to the ring member;

FIG. 7-3 is a view (oblique view) of the cap member attached to the ring member;

FIG. 8-1 is an external view (front view) of a valve of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8-2 is an external view (side view) of the valve of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8-3 is a cross sectional view of the valve depicted in FIG. 8-2; and

FIG. 9 is an external view (oblique view) of the tank support member.

EXPLANATIONS OF LETTERS OR NUMERALS

100 spraying apparatus

101 opening/closing member

102 switch

103 light emitting member

104 power source unit

105 spraying aperture

106 circuit board

107 cover member

108 tank member

109 cap member

110 ring member

111 micro-switch

112 valve opening/closing lever pressing member

113 valve opening/closing lever member

114 valve opening/closing lever fulcrum

115 valve opening/closing lever protrusion

116 valve

117 spring member

118 tank support member

119 spring locking member

120 spraying unit

130 battery-mounted cover member

131 tank unit mounting member

132 locking mechanism

201, 202 electrode-use power supply terminal

203 spraying unit-use power supply terminal

301 switch-depression preventing member

302 protrusion

401 first electrode member

402 second electrode member

501 fluid outlet

502 first electrode insertion opening

503 second electrode insertion opening

504 first electrode connection opening

505 second electrode connection opening

506 electrode insertion opening protrusions

507 valve opening

508 valve opening/closing lever operation conduit

601 foam guide member

701 fluid absorption member

801 accordion structure

901 spring support member

BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiments according to the present invention are explained in detail below.

(Exterior of Spraying Apparatus)

The exterior of a spraying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 1-1 is an external view (front view) of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1-2 is an external view (side view) of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1-3 is a cross sectional view along A-A of the spraying apparatus as shown in FIG. 1-1. FIG. 1-4 is an external view (rear view) of the spraying apparatus according to-the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1-1, a front aspect of a body configuring a spraying apparatus 100 includes an opening/closing member 101, a switch 102, and a light emitting member 103. The opening/closing member 101, upon use of the spraying apparatus 100, exposes a spraying aperture 105 hereinafter described (refer to FIG. 2-1) by sliding along the length of the body of the spraying apparatus 100. Further, when the spraying apparatus 100 is not in use, as shown in FIG. 1-1, by a sliding of the opening/closing member 101 downward with respect to the orientation depicted in FIG. 1-1, the spraying aperture 105 is not directly exposed, thereby protecting the spraying aperture 105 from external impact.

Reference numeral 102 indicates a switch that initiates an ON state when depressed by a finger imparting a prescribed amount of force directed from front to back with respect to the depiction shown in FIG. 1-1 and from left to right with respect to the depiction shown in FIG. 1-2. Upon initiation of the ON state by the switch 102, from a tank 108 hereinafter described storing a fluid (see FIG. 1-3, etc.), the fluid begins to flow toward the spraying aperture 105 and vibration toward a spraying unit 120 hereinafter described is initiated to implement a fluid spraying function. While the switch 102 is in the ON state, depression of the switch 102 again by a prescribed amount of force changes the state of the switch 102 to an OFF state, i.e., the switch 102 has a latch structure and by the depression thereof, switches between ON and OFF states.

Reference numeral 103 indicates light emitting member. More specifically, for example, an LED (light emitting diode) is employed. The illumination, illumination pattern, color, etc., of the light emitting member 103 can be used to indicate the state of the spraying apparatus 100. For example, an illuminated state can indicate that operation is in the spraying mode and a flashing state can indicate a recharging state. Additionally, configuration may be such that the illumination, illumination pattern, or the color changes (e.g., red) to indicate that recharging is necessary.

Reference numeral 104 indicates a power source unit that, more specifically, includes a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery receives power, for recharging, from a standard type recharger (not shown). Besides a rechargeable battery, the power source unit 104 may include a conventional dry cell battery or may be a household AC100V power source.

Reference numeral 105 indicates the spraying aperture 105 from which fluid is sprayed. Reference numeral 106 indicates a circuit board and through circuits mounted thereto, each type of control, such as spraying control, electrolyte generation control, in addition to the overall control of the spraying apparatus 100 is governed. Reference numeral 107 indicates a cover member that is opened to inject fluid into the tank 108 and after the injection, the cover member 107 is closed. The cover member 107 includes a locking mechanism 132 that prevents unintentional opening of the cover member 107 resulting in spillage of the injected fluid.

Reference numeral 108 is a tank member that stores the fluid to be sprayed. The fluid stored in the tank member 108 is, specifically, for example, water, special-use cosmetic fluid, etc. The tank 108 is described in detail hereinafter. Reference numeral 109 indicates a cap member having one end in contact with the sprayer unit 120 and another end to which a ring member can be attached. Reference numeral 110 indicates a ring member that controls the direction of flow of the fluid to be sprayed and the flow of foam produced upon the generation of electrolyte by electrolyzation. Detailed description of the ring member 110 is provided hereinafter.

Reference numeral 111 indicates a micro-switch that is interlocked with the manipulation of the switch 102 and controls the ON/OFF state of the spraying mode. Reference numeral 112 indicates a valve-opening/closing-lever-pressing member. Reference numeral 113 indicates a valve-opening/closing-lever member that opens and closes a valve 116. The valve-opening/closing-lever member 113 includes a valve opening/closing lever fulcrum 114 and a valve opening/closing lever protrusion 115.

Upon depression of the switch 102, the micro-switch 111 is initiated to the ON state and the valve-opening/closing-lever-pressing member 112 moves in the direction that the switch 102 is depressed. Specifically, the valve-opening/closing-lever-pressing member 112 moves from left to right with respect to the depiction shown in FIG. 1-3. By the valve-opening/closing-lever-pressing member 112, an end portion of the valve-opening/closing-lever-pressing member 112 makes contact with the valve opening/closing lever protrusion 115 of the valve-opening/closing-lever member 113 and the valve-opening/closing-lever member 113 is pushed from left to right with respect to the depiction shown in FIG. 1-3. Through this pushing, the valve-opening/closing-lever member 113 turns clockwise with respect to the depiction in FIG. 1-3 about the valve opening/closing lever fulcrum 114 as a fulcrum.

The valve 116 provided above the valve-opening/closing-lever member 113 opens with the turning of the valve-opening/closing-lever member 113 described above (detailed description of the valve provided hereinafter). Hence, the valve 116, being interlocked with the turning, opens with the depression of the switch 102. In this case, the valve-opening/closing-lever member 113 turns about the valve opening/closing lever fulcrum 114 as a fulcrum, and hence, the extent of the opening of the valve 116 is greater than the distance moved by the valve-opening/closing-lever-pressing member 112. Therefore, even when the extent to which the switch 102 is depressed with short (stroke), the valve 116 can be sufficiently opened and the fluid can be reliably supplied.

As the switch 102 has a latch configuration, in an ON state, provided that the switch 102 is not depressed again, the valve 116 remains open as the valve-opening/closing-lever-pressing member 112 remains in state of pushing the valve-opening/closing-lever member 113. When the switch 102 is depressed again, the valve 116 closes and thereafter, the supply of the fluid ceases.

With the spraying apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, two operations are performed by one switch (switch 102), i.e., initiation of the ON state of the micro-switch 111 and the opening of the valve 116 are performed simultaneously. Therefore, although configuration set for the utilization of the micro-switch 111 cannot ensure sufficient stroke, through the above configuration, even when sufficient stroke cannot be secured, the extent to which the valve 116 is opened can be sufficiently secured.

Thus, the opening/closing of the valve 116 and the turning ON/OFF of the power source switch can be implemented by one switch, the switch 102. Hence, not only can operability be improved and reliable operation assured, but the number of elements can be reduced, thereby realizing a reduction in the weight of the spraying apparatus 100 and lower cost. Further, as the opening/closing of the valve 116 is controlled mechanically, rather than electrically, the need for an electrical circuit, driving device, etc. to control opening/closing is eliminated, thereby enabling a reduction in power consumption in addition to weight and cost reductions.

Reference numeral 117 indicates a spring member that exerts a force in the closing direction of the valve 116. Therefore, through adjustment of the force of the spring member 117, the depression force of the switch 102 can be adjusted. Reference numeral 118 indicates a tank support member that includes a spring support member 901 that, as shown in FIG. 9, supports the spring member 117.

Reference numeral 120 indicates a spraying unit. The spraying unit 120 includes a riddled spray plate (not shown) and an oscillator (not shown) that vibrates the riddled spray plate. The spraying unit 120 is mounted to the spraying aperture 105. Reference numeral 130 indicates a battery-mounted cover member that when mounted to a battery, opens and closes. Further reference numeral 131 indicates a tank unit mounting member that enables easy detachment of the tank member (for example, refer to FIG. 4-1). Reference numeral 132 indicates a cover-member lock mechanism that prevents unintentional opening of the cover member 107, thereby preventing spillage of the fluid inside the tank member 108.

FIG. 2-1 is an external view (front view) of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention (with the opening/closing member and tank unit removed). FIG. 2-2 is an external view (side view) of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention (with the opening/closing member and the tank unit removed). FIG. 2-3 is a cross sectional view along A-A of the spraying apparatus as shown in FIG. 2-1. FIG. 2-4 is an external view (rear view) of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention (with the opening/closing member and the tank unit removed).

Reference numerals 201 and 202 shown in FIG. 2-4 indicate electrode-use power supply terminals. By mounting the tank unit, as the electrode-use power supply terminal 201 protrudes, the electrode-use power supply terminal 201 can be connected to a first electrode member 401 through a first electrode connection opening 504 hereinafter described. In the same manner, the electrode-use power supply terminal 202 can be connected to a second electrode member 402 through a second electrode connection opening 505 hereinafter described. Thus, by a configuration with the electrode-use power supply-terminals 201, 202, electrical leakage of the first electrode member 401 and the second electrode member 402, which come in contact with the fluid, can be prevented, thereby enabling simple and assured power supply.

Reference numeral 203 indicates a spraying unit-use power supply terminal through which power to vibrate a vibration plate of the spraying unit 120 is supplied. By such configuration of the spraying unit-use power supply terminal 203, the spraying unit 120 can be easily detached. Therefore, replacement of the spraying unit 120 alone can be performed more easily.

(Opening/closing Member Configuration)

Opening/closing member configuration is explained. FIG. 3-1 is an external view (front view) of the opening/closing member of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3-2 is an external view (side view) of the opening/closing member of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 301 shown in FIG. 3-1 indicates a switch-depression preventing member that, as shown in FIG. 3-1, is disposed on a lower portion of the opening/closing member 101 mounting the opening/closing member 101 to the body and when slid all the way down, enters a gap between the switch 102 and the body, i.e., the gap enabling the stroke, to thereby stop the sliding of the opening/closing member 101. When the switch-depression preventing member 301 is in the gap, the switch 102 cannot be depressed.

Thus, unintentional depression of the switch 102, when the opening/closing member 101 is closed and the spraying aperture 105 is not exposed, can be easily and assuredly prevented. Further, as disposal of an electronic sensor to prevent accidental depression of the switch 102 is not required, by a reduction in the number of elements, weight and cost reductions as well as reduced power consumption become possible.

Reference numeral 302 indicates a protrusion for cover sliding that is disposed in plural in an area in contact with a groove portion (omitted from drawing) of the body. Thus, through the protrusions 302 for cover sliding, the groove portion of the body can contact the points rather than a plane, thereby enabling smoother sliding (opening/closing) of the opening/closing member 101. Therefore, a user can be provided a smoother sensation when opening/closing the opening/closing member 101.

Further, as the shape of the switch-depression preventing member 301 is congruous to the curvature of the spraying aperture 105, even when the opening/closing member 101 is slid to expose the spraying aperture 105, the spraying aperture 105 is not obstructed. Thus, the switch-depression preventing member 301 serves to protect the riddled spray plate of the spraying unit 120 as well as to prevent unintentional depression of the switch 102.

(Configuration of Tank Unit)

Configuration of the tank unit is described. FIG. 4-1 is an external view (oblique view) of the tank unit of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4-2 is a cross sectional view along H-H of the tank unit as shown in FIG. 4-1. FIG. 4-3 is an external view of the tank unit from the perspective C shown in FIG. 4-1. FIG. 4-4 is an external view of the tank unit from the perspective B shown in FIG. 4-1. FIG. 4-5 is a cross sectional view along E-E of the tank unit as shown in FIG. 4-1. FIG. 4-6 is an external view of the tank unit from the perspective F shown in FIG. 4-1.

As shown in FIG. 4-1, reference numeral 401 is the first electrode member, and reference numeral 402 is the second electrode member. The first electrode member 401 and the second electrode member 402 shown in FIG. 4-1 will be explained hereinafter.

FIG. 5-1 is an external view of the tank member from the same perspective as shown in FIG. 4-2. FIG. 5-2 is an external view of the tank member from the same perspective shown in FIG. 4-3. FIG. 5-3 is an external view of the tank member from the opposing perspective shown in FIG. 4-4. FIG. 5-4 is a cross sectional view of the tank member from the same perspective shown in FIG. 5-3.

FIG. 5-5 is an external view of the tank member from the same perspective shown in FIG. 4-6. FIG. 5-6 is an enlarged view of an electrode insertion opening shown in FIG. 5-5. FIG. 5-7 is a cross sectional view from the same perspective shown in FIG. 5-6. FIG. 5-8 is an enlarged view of an electrode insertion opening shown in FIG. 5-7. FIG. 5-9 is an enlarged view of a fluid outlet shown in FIG. 5-2. FIG. 5-10 is a cross sectional view along I-I as shown in FIG. 5-9. FIG. 5-11 is a cross sectional view along J-J as shown in FIG. 5-9. FIG. 5-12 is a cross sectional view of the tank member along E-E of the tank unit as shown in FIG. 4-1. FIG. 5-13 is an external view of the tank unit from the perspective G shown in FIG. 4-1.

Reference numeral 501 indicates the fluid outlet, which is configured such that the fluid stored in the tank member 108, by an opening of the valve 116, flows through a valve opening 507 disposed on the valve 116, toward the ring member 110 from the fluid outlet 501 (for example, see FIG. 5-4). Reference numeral 508 indicates valve opening/closing lever operation conduit that is provided for the operation of the valve opening/closing lever member 113.

As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5I, two electrode members (the first electrode member 401 and the second electrode member 402) are disposed at the fluid outlet 501 substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the fluid. Therefore, a first electrode insertion opening 502 housing the first electrode 401 and a second electrode insertion opening 503 housing the second electrode 402 are provided. The above electrode members have a cross section, orthogonal to the length, that is circular, i.e., the above electrode members have a cylindrical shape, which is due to a cylindrical shape being the easiest to manufacture when, for example, titanium is used as a manufacturing material for the electrode member.

Further, as the electrode insertion openings are also cylindrical in shape, with an O-ring (omitted from the drawing), for example, fixed to the electrode member, insertion of the electrode member into the electrode insertion opening, not only enables extremely easy mounting of the electrode, but also the O-ring between the electrode member and the electrode insertion opening makes detachment of the electrode member from the electrode insertion opening difficult and affords greater water-resistance.

As shown in FIGS. 5-6 to 5-8, plural electrode insertion opening protrusions 506 are disposed on an inner surface of the first electrode insertion opening 502 and of the second electrode insertion opening 503, thereby more effectively preventing the O-ring from falling out.

The interval between the first electrode member 401 and the second electrode member 402 can be arbitrarily set. However, if the interval between the electrode members is too wide, it becomes necessary to increase the voltage across the electrodes. Hence, consideration should be given to applicable voltage, etc. when determining the above interval.

Furthermore, the fluid is not allowed to pass only between the electrodes, but rather, around the outside of the electrodes as well. The reason being, as the spraying apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not disposed with a pump, specification is for the flow from the tank member 108 to be by gravity alone and in this case, if flow passes between the electrodes alone, a sufficient volume of fluid cannot be supplied to the spraying unit 120. Additionally, although the electrolyte is generated between the electrodes, the volume generated per unit time is determined by the magnitude of the current. Hence, it is not necessary for all of the outflow fluid to pass between the electrodes.

With consideration of the above point, the two electrode members are disposed orthogonal to the direction of fluid flow through the fluid outlet 501. Therefore, with regard to aspects, such as shape, disposal, etc., of the two electrode members, such aspects are not limited to the shape, disposal, etc., of the electrode members 401, 402 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As can be understood from FIG. 5-9, the first electrode member 401 and the second electrode member 402 are disposed in a position that is off-center to the right of the fluid outlet 501. Because the generation volume of the electrolyte is constant regardless of the position of the fluid outlet 501 and the electrode members 401, 402, consideration need not be given to the above position. According to the present embodiment, the electrode members 401, 402 are disposed off set to the right so as to not come in contact with a convex portion of a foam guide member 601 that is equipped with the ring member 110 in contact with the fluid outlet 501. Therefore, off setting is not limited to the right and the electrode members 401, 402 may be off set to the left. In this case, the convex portion of the foam guide member 601 is disposed on the right side.

An alternating current is employed for the current flowing through the electrode members 401, 402. Frequent polar reversal enables automatic mixing of the electrolyte and a non-electrolyte fluid. Therefore, if the focus is on electrolyte generation, direct current may be utilized rather than alternating current.

In this case, the polarity of the electricity applied to the electrode members 401, 402 can be switched with respect to each other for a given time interval. By the switching of the polarity of the applied electricity for a given time interval, cathode-side and anode-side electrolytes are alternately generated at one of the electrodes and hence, the anode-side and cathode-side electrolytes are effectively mixed. Although a preferable rate for the switching of the polarities is 2 to 1200 times/minute, a rate of 120 to 600 times/minute is more preferable. Additionally, by the polarity switching, scale deposition (sediment or deposited matter) on the electrodes can be effectively prevented. In the manner described above, by the electrolyzation of a fluid, the anode-side and cathode-side electrolytes generated during electrolyzation are naturally mixed and the mixed electrolytes are continuously sprayed from the spraying unit 120.

(Ring Member Configuration)

Configuration of the ring member is described. FIG. 6-1 is an external view (oblique view) of the ring member of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6-2 is an external view (oblique view) of the ring member of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention from a perspective different from that shown in FIG. 6-1. FIG. 6-3 is an external view of the ring member from the perspective K shown in FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2. FIG. 6-4 is an external view of the ring member from the perspective L shown in FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2. FIG. 6-5 is an external view of the ring member from the perspective M shown in FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2.

The ring member 110, as shown in FIG. 6-3, to allow the greatest volume to pass, is provided with numerous openings. Further, the foam guide member 601 is disposed and as shown in FIG. 6-5 as well, includes a tapered portion. When current flows through the electrodes 401, 402, electrolyte is generated as well as a large amount of foam. Left alone, the foam moves toward the riddled spray plate and consequently, a sufficient spray volume can not be secured.

Therefore, with the disposal of the foam guide member 601, the generated foam adheres to a surface of the foam guide member 601, slides along the tapered portion and accumulates growing in size to finally be returned back toward the tank member 108. Thus, by a simple configuration involving only the disposal of the foam guide member 601, the foam generated near the electrode members 401, 402 can be prevented from moving toward the riddled spray plate. As the injection of fluid into the tank member 108 is performed by an open state of the opening/closing valve, at the first injection of fluid, the path of flow is filled with air and by the opening of the valve, fluid flows to the path of flow. At this time, the air in the path of flow is moved to the tank member 108 by the foam guide member 601, thereby preventing the occurrence of an airlock.

(Cap Member Configuration)

Configuration of the cap member is described next. FIG. 7-1 is an external view (front view) of the cap member of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7-2 is a view (rear view) of the cap member in an attached state. FIG. 7-3 is a view (oblique view) of the cap member in an attached state.

As shown in FIG. 7-1, in the center of the cap member 109, a fluid absorption member 701 is disposed and when assembled, an end thereof, contacts the riddled spray plate. Thus, by this configuration, the fluid absorption member 701 absorbs the fluid that has flowed through the ring member 110 to the cap member 109. The riddled plate, by a vibration of the vibration plate, sprays the fluid absorbed by the fluid absorption member 701.

The fluid absorption member 701, specifically, for example, is a sponge. With assembly, the cap member 109 and the ring member 110 become integrated. As shown in FIG. 7-2 as well, assembly is via a locking mechanism, thereby making detachment easy. Therefore, a user can easily replace only the fluid absorption member 701, giving consideration to sanitation.

(Valve Configuration)

Configuration of the valve is described next. FIG. 8-1 is an external view (front view) of the valve of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8-2 is an external view (side view) of the valve of the spraying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8-3 is a cross sectional view of the valve depicted in FIG. 8-2.

The valve 116, as shown in FIG. 8-3, has an accordion structure 801 expanding and contracting left and right with respect to the depiction shown in FIG. 8-3. In the expanded state, flow from the tank member 108 is stopped, and in the contracted state, fluid of the tank member 108 flows. When the valve opening/closing lever member 113 is turned to the open state, the valve 116, by a contraction of the accordion structure 801, is opened. When the valve opening/closing lever member 113 is turned to the closed state, the valve 116, by a repulsive force of the accordion structure 801, is obstructed.

The valve 116, to have sufficient expansion function by the accordion structure 801, is constructed of a material that is relatively soft such as silicon, for example compared to plastic.

Further, to strengthen the obstruction of the valve 116, in addition to the accordion structure 801, the spring member 117 is disposed. As also shown in FIG. 4-2, an end of the spring member 117 is locked by a spring locking member 119. As shown in FIG. 9, the other end is locked by an insertion of the spring member 117 in a coiled state into a protruding portion of a spring support member 901 disposed on the tank support member 118. FIG. 9 is an external view (oblique view) of the tank support member. By such a configuration, the resilient force of the spring member 117 in the closing direction of the valve 116 can further assure closure of the valve 116. As a result, fluid leakage can be assuredly prevented.

As explained above, the spraying apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the spraying unit 120 that sprays fluid, the tank member 108 storing the fluid sprayed by the spraying unit 120, and the valve 116 that opens/closes the path of flow of the fluid and is disposed at a lower portion of the tank member 108, in which by the opening/closing of the valve 116, fluid is supplied to the spraying unit 120. As a result, because the liquid inside the tank member 108 flows to the spraying unit 120 by gravity, a pump to convey fluid to the spraying unit 120 is not required. Therefore, the number of elements can be reduced by the pump components, and reductions in size and weight are possible as well as an elimination of the need for a supply of power to a pump.

As the operation of opening the valve 116 for the flow of the fluid is interlocked with the supply of power to the spraying unit 120, the user can perform spraying by one operation. Further, wastefulness in terms of the fluid and/or power that occurs when the functions are not interlocked can be prevented.

Further, the electrodes 401, 402, disposed between the valve 116 and the spraying unit 120, electrolyze at least a portion of the fluid. As the spraying unit 120 sprays fluid that includes a portion of the fluid electrolyzed by the electrodes 401, 402, (i.e., fluid that is a mixture of the fluid electrolyzed by the electrodes 401, 402 and the un-electrolyzed fluid), electrolyte or fluid including electrolyte can be supplied as sprayed fluid.

As the supply of power to the electrodes 401, 402 is interlocked with the operation of opening the valve 116, the user can spray by one operation. Further, wastefulness in terms of the fluid and/or power that occurs when the functions are not interlocked can be prevented.

As the electrodes 401, 402 are substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, fluid resistance is lowered enabling the flow supplied to the spraying unit 120 to be secured.

As the electrodes 401, 402 are cylindrical in shape, manufacturing as well as mounting are easy.

As the foam guide member 601, which guides foam generated during electrolyzation of the fluid by the electrodes 401, 402 in a direction other than toward the spraying unit 120, is disposed, foam can be prevented from going to the spraying unit 120, thereby enabling uninterrupted spraying.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the invention can be utilized in a spraying apparatus that sprays fluid, and is particularly suited for a portable spraying apparatus. 

1.-7. (canceled)
 8. A spraying apparatus comprising: a tank that stores a fluid; a spraying unit that is disposed at a lower portion of the tank, is connected to the tank through a flow path, and sprays the fluid that flows from the tank through the flow path by a weight of the fluid; a flow-path opening/closing unit that is disposed on the flow path between the tank and the spraying unit, and opens and closes the flow path; and an electrolyzing unit that is disposed between the flow-path opening/closing unit and the spraying unit, and electrolyzes at least a portion of the fluid, wherein the fluid electrolyzed by the electrolyzing unit is supplied to the spraying unit by an opening and closing of the flow-path opening/closing unit.
 9. The spraying apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a supply of power to the spraying unit is interlocked with an opening of the flow path of the fluid by the flow-path opening/closing unit.
 10. The spraying apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a supply of power to the electrolyzing unit is interlocked with an opening of the flow path of the fluid by the flow-path opening/closing unit.
 11. The spraying apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the electrolyzing unit includes as least two electrodes, and the electrodes are disposed substantially perpendicular to a flow path direction.
 12. The spraying apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a foam guide unit that guides foam generated in the flow path in a direction other than a direction toward the spraying unit. 